Travelling in Algeria can connect visitors with a long history, living culture and warm hospitality. Riwaya Travel welcomed a group of young footballers, their coaches and parents for a day of cultural discovery in Algiers.
The event reflected our wish to bring generations together, encourage cultural exchange and create thoughtfully organised experiences in Algeria.
A sporting and cultural trip to Algeria
The under-13 team from FC Achères, in France’s Yvelines department, travelled to Algeria for a tournament hosted by AC Draa Ben Khedda.
Alongside the sporting programme, Riwaya Travel designed a day in Algiers introducing the group to the city’s heritage, food and music.
With support from Nadjib Krim and Sophiane Frigui in France and our local team in Algeria, a coach was provided free of charge for the transfer from Draa Ben Khedda to Algiers.
careful organisation made it possible for the group to focus on the day’s discoveries and time together.
Beginning in the Casbah of Algiers
The Casbah, Algiers’ historic heart
UNESCO-listed, the Casbah of Algiers is a living neighbourhood of narrow lanes, traditional houses and places connected with the struggle for independence.
The group began at Bab Jdid, where Riwaya Travel founder Sofiane Lesage welcomed them with a few words about sharing knowledge and building connections between cultures.
A guided visit with local expert Nouha
With Riwaya Travel guide Nouha, the group explored the upper Casbah:
- Ottoman-era heritage;
- traditional houses with light-filled courtyards;
- places associated with the revolution and resistance.
Each stop offered a new perspective on Algeria’s history and the character of its capital.
Lunch with a view and Algerian cooking
A meal at Monsieur Mahiout’s home
Monsieur Mahiout welcomed the group to his home for lunch, with Merwan Boultif also present and panoramic views across the Casbah.
The menu featured sardines with dersa, a simple, distinctive dish prepared with care and shared in a friendly atmosphere.
Discovering culture through food
Algerian cooking is an important part of cultural discovery. For the young footballers, tasting local dishes offered a way to understand the country beyond words.
The meal became an opportunity for conversation and a warm encounter with their hosts.
Afternoon: exploring Algiers
The afternoon brought three further stops on the group’s cultural visit.
The Jardin d’Essai
The Jardin d’Essai du Hamma offered a green retreat in the capital. The children walked among the botanical gardens’ rich vegetation and enjoyed a quieter moment in the day.
The cable car
A cable-car journey gave the group another perspective on Algiers, connecting different parts of the city and opening up views along the way.
The Martyrs’ Museum
The cultural visits ended at the Martyrs’ Museum beneath the imposing memorial. For the young visitors from France, it introduced an important chapter of Algerian history and the struggle for independence.
Evening: dinner and chaabi music
Back in the Casbah, dinner was accompanied by chaabi, Algiers’ traditional popular music. The performance brought a festive and moving close to the day.
The players and their families experienced how music can create a sense of connection across generations.
A personal connection
The day took on another meaning when the children learned that Sofiane Lesage had grown up in the same neighbourhood as them in France.
That shared background made his story more immediate: here was an entrepreneur connecting his heritage with his professional life in a way they could relate to.
Why travel to Algeria with Riwaya Travel?
The day showed several elements of our approach to organising journeys in Algeria:
- Local knowledge: guides such as Nouha bring places and their history to life.
- Careful organisation: coordinated transfers, private transport and thoughtfully arranged meals.
- Personal encounters: cultural experiences built around people and shared moments.
- A responsible approach: respect for local communities, heritage and meaningful exchange.
FAQ: travelling in Algeria with Riwaya Travel
Can you organise a trip to Algeria for teenagers?
We can plan accompanied itineraries for teenage groups, with suitable activities, guides and transport. We discuss supervision, practical needs and current travel conditions in advance; the responsible adults remain in charge of the minors throughout the trip.
What can you visit in one day in Algiers?
An itinerary can include the Casbah, Jardin d’Essai and Martyrs’ Museum, with a meal or musical experience where available. The final programme depends on opening times, travel time and the group’s pace.
Does Riwaya Travel only offer standard Algiers tours?
We can combine heritage, food, music and local encounters to create a programme around your group’s interests.
Curious about Algiers? Explore our journeys in the capital.
A day that went beyond sightseeing
The 28 April visit gave FC Achères’ young footballers more than a tour of the city. It offered shared experiences, personal inspiration and a connection between two cultures.
Through the Casbah, Jardin d’Essai, Martyrs’ Museum and the welcome they received, the children discovered how travel can encourage curiosity and bring people together.
At Riwaya Travel, we see a journey in Algeria as a chance to learn, share and create lasting memories. This day gave a practical expression to that belief.
